Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Become Part of the Ask a Librarian App

[Update Nov. 12, 2015: The Ask a Librarian App is now out of beta and in production!]

We'd like to invite all libraries to become part of the new Ask a Librarian App currently undergoing beta testing. Ask A Librarian is a mobile app that we've developed in conjunction with our back-up service partner, Chatstaff, that connects patrons to a
library's reference services, including chat, texting, email, and
frequently asked questions.
Any library or library consortium, regardless of
software platform, can be included in Ask a Librarian at no charge.

What does the Ask a Librarian app do?

When patrons aren't sure what libraries are nearby, they can use the browse function that locates nearby libraries or libraries around a particular location. Patrons can also search for their favorite library by name. The app remembers the libraries patrons have visited previously so they can
quickly revisit those libraries and pick up where they left off. And patrons can favorite and revisit libraries later.

Each library listing summarizes available
virtual reference services. These services may include real-time chat
with librarians, text a librarian, phone a librarian, email a librarian,
and frequently asked questions. Libraries can also include a customized avatar, a website link and additional free-form information
such as operating hours.

How can I test drive the Ask a Librarian app?

For iOS, send us a request by email and then we'll be able can send you an emailed beta invite through Apple. The Ask a Librarian app itself works with iOS 6 and higher. But while the app is in beta testing, it is only available through Test Flight which requires iOS 8 and higher.

How can my library be included in the Ask a Librarian app?

Send us email indicating your interest and we'll set you up with a default, unpublished listing. From there, you can edit the listing to suit and publish it when you're ready. Any library or library consortium, regardless of software platform, can be included in Ask a Librarian at no charge.